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Property

The house looks out to the red roofs of Upper Fuilla and to Canigou and the mountains all around. The accommodation is comfortable at any time of year, with an open fire and electric heating in the colder months. In the summer the many windows and the tiled floors provide welcome cool and shade. The main living room is furnished with 2 very comfortable, large 3 seater white sofas, and two arm chairs. The dining area has a handsome 8 seater table with dining chairs to match. There is a large custom-made book-case filled with books, board games and CDs, all of which visitors are welcome to use. Leading out of the living room there is a sun room which has a table and chairs to sit 8, together with a couple of sun loungers. (All of these can easily be moved out into the garden during the summer months.) There are buckets full of Lego and other children's toys. 2 of the bedrooms have views of Canigou, and the others look out to a range of hills. There is ample storage, and each of the bedrooms has overhead reading lights. There is also a large circular wine cellar, accessible from the garage, and numerous swimming aids and toys in the garage. The garden is one of the delights of Les Lucioles. Firstly it is about an acre in size and is completely secure, (when the gates to the house drive have been closed). The swimming pool is oval and surrounded by a grassed area inside a security rail fence. This fence is partially covered with climbing roses. In the orchard there is a swing and some ladders creating a couple of tree houses. If you are in residence at the appropriate time the orchard is pretty fruitful in plums and apples and a large cherry. You are welcome to eat the fruit. There are also specimen trees planted in other parts of the garden which provide shade even on the hottest of days. There is ample room for games of kickabout football, for making dens, and for games of hide and seek. Les Lucioles is in Fuilla du Haut, (upper Fuilla) which leads to Sahorre with its boulangerie and grocers and butchers shops. Above Sahorre on the road to Py and Mantet there are some wonderful swimming pools in the river. Py is a pretty village on the GR10 with a choice of walks radiating from it The road then climbs sharply via a wonderful switch back road to the Col de Mantet, and thence down to the village of Mantet, the last village in France, (and a renowned staging point for escaping servicemen in the Second World War). From Mantet there is a magnificent but strenuous walk up to the Spanish border. (In Les Lucioles we have left instructions as to many of these walks as well as a list of 10 things that you must do while staying there). Indeed the walking in this part of the Pyrenees, (including many walks from the house) is spectacular and very rewarding. There are also some ‘must see’ historic sites in the neighbourhood such as St Michel de Cuxha (a beautiful Romanesque church with a cloister and atmospheric crypt), Villefranhe de Conflent, (a World Hertitage Site, walled stone 17th century town) and St Martin de Canigou (only accessible by walking and a site of particular symbolic significance to the Catalan people). The most attractive sea-side resort is Collioure, about an hour and a quarter's drive away, although in high summer this can be crowded. Other outings to the hot springs at St Thomas les Bains, the Gorges de Caranca and the great Crusader castles of Peypetreuse and Queribus are well worth a visit. But on hot sumer days the garden, the pool and the house provide complete relaxation. An evening drink or meal at Vernet les Bains or at Villefranche de Conflent is a pleasant way of rounding off the day. We hope that you will enjoy Les Lucioles as much as we have in the past, and intend to continue to in the years ahead. This is emphatically a family home rather than a commercial operation. It is a world away from glitz or clubbing or crowded beaches. But for a memorable and relaxing holiday in a beautiful setting it might be hard to beat.

Delightful property in great location

Our family (2 adults and 2 children, 13 & 11yrs) stayed at this property for 1 week in August 2016 and had a fantastic time. The views from the property towards Mt Canigou are stunning and the house is perfectly located for those who wish to enjoy this wonderful area. We enjoyed several walks high up in the mountains (and even over the Spanish border) as well as some less strenuous walks in the foothills starting at the back gate... There are a wide variety of beautiful/historic villages and monasteries to visit locally as well as many other sites (e.g Cathar castles) that are only just over 1hr drive. On the more relaxing days we stayed in the house and enjoyed the garden, the views and the great swimming pool. The property is spacious and well equipped (best of all there is no TV! But don't worry, the WiFi will keep the children happy!) This is obviously a well-loved and well-used family property, the interior is slightly dated in places, but everything was clean and in good working order. There was also great information provided on things to do locally, as well as detailed descriptions of walks and a great library. The owners were extremely helpful in all aspects of the arrangements. We would happily return to enjoy this great location.

Review Submitted: 30-Aug-2016

Date of Stay: Aug 2016

Source:
Owners Direct, from HomeAway

Owner's Response: Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are delighted you enjoyed your holiday so much and appreciated both the house, garden and swimming pool as well as all the area has to offer.

About the Owner

We, our four children and their families and friends have enjoyed the house hugely. The house was originally owned by Trish's mother who had the good sense not to build on the adjacent plot but to leave it as an orchard to the house.

Our principal home is in Greenwich and we are a retired lawyer and web site designer. Our principal interests are walking, reading,visiting historic towns and churches and relaxing. Les Lucioles is ideal for all of them.

1 Reviews

1 holidaymaker review

Delightful property in great location

Our family (2 adults and 2 children, 13 & 11yrs) stayed at this property for 1 week in August 2016 and had a fantastic time. The views from the property towards Mt Canigou are stunning and the house is perfectly located for those who wish to enjoy this wonderful area. We enjoyed several walks high up in the mountains (and even over the Spanish border) as well as some less strenuous walks in the foothills starting at the back gate... There are a wide variety of beautiful/historic villages and monasteries to visit locally as well as many other sites (e.g Cathar castles) that are only just over 1hr drive. On the more relaxing days we stayed in the house and enjoyed the garden, the views and the great swimming pool. The property is spacious and well equipped (best of all there is no TV! But don't worry, the WiFi will keep the children happy!) This is obviously a well-loved and well-used family property, the interior is slightly dated in places, but everything was clean and in good working order. There was also great information provided on things to do locally, as well as detailed descriptions of walks and a great library. The owners were extremely helpful in all aspects of the arrangements. We would happily return to enjoy this great location.

Review Submitted: Aug 30, 2016

Date of Stay: Aug 2016

Source: Owners Direct, from HomeAway

Owner's Response: Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are delighted you enjoyed your holiday so much and appreciated both the house, garden and swimming pool as well as all the area has to offer.

Location

From the Owner

“Les Lucioles has great views of the mountains and wonderful walking all around. The garden and swimming pool are great attractions. The house is eminently comfortable and welcoming. But it is not remote and you can access Viilefranche and Vernet within 15 minutes. There are no crowds anywhere around; the main visitors to the garden, (and a bit of a menace!) are moles and badgers.”

Activity and Interests

Car: necessary

Special interest holidays:

The Prades Festival at the end of July/beginning of August is world renowned and is in honour of Pablo Casals who lived in the town during the Spanish Civil War. Concerts of a high standard take place in a variety of historic locations.

There are some walking/painting/cookery courses within easy reach but we have not accessed them.

Coast/Beach:

Collioure is about an hours drive. It is an historic small port favoured by the Fauviste artists and relatively unspoilt.

Travel:

45 minutes drive from Perpignan Airport. 2 hours from Carcassonne and Barcelona. Car hire available at all these airports.

Distances:

Villefranche de Conflet 10 minutes drive.

Vernet les Bains ( historic spa town) 10 minutes drive

Prades 15 minutes drive

Further Details:

Major supermarket, Super U in Prades. Splendid street market in Prades every Tuesday. Cash dispensers in Villelfranche, bank, doctor and other essentials in Prades. Alfresco pizza restaurant on the square at Vernet.

* Approximate monthly price. Actual pricing will depend on the days of the month you stay.

Additional pricing information

Fees

No additional mandatory fees

Refundable Damage Deposit

£100

Booking Notes:
I would propose 25% of the cost of the holiday is payable on confirmation of your booking, with the balance payable not less than 14 days before the holiday commences. Arrival would be after 4pm on the first day, with departures before 10am on the last day, (to allow for cleaning)

Changeover Day:
Flexible as to change over days. Arrival and departure times, see above.

Notes on prices:
We would consider bookings, (particularly outside the main season) for less than a week, but of not less than 3 nights.
The pool is only open in the summer and will not be open until May or June depending on the weather.

Owner's Cancellation Policy

Facilities

From the Owner

“The house is about 50 years old and so does not have the problems which sometimes occur in old houses. Things work, and if they do not, then Philippe who lives across the road and has a garden maintenance contract, will usually be able to help. About 5 minutes is required to clear the living room after the ravages of children during the day.
The sun room and the pool, together with the ladders and tree houses in the orchard are features which may not be found everywhere.”

Outside

Golf ...

Garden

Barbecue

Ski & Snowboard ...

Notes:

Notes on accommodation:
The accommodation throughout the house is very comfortable. None of the rooms are cramped. All windows have external and closing wooden shutters. There are hooks in the hall for hats and coats and racks form does and mountain boots
Outside:
The pool is oval in shape and about 30 feet long by 10 feet wide. It is only for the use of Les Luicoles. There is a mechanical hoover which cleans the pool. The furniture in the sun room is used in the garden
Utility Room:
The garage has washing and drying machines as well as a further fridge. The hall contains a cupboard with brushes, dustbins, cleaning materials, extra light bulbs etc.
Cleaning / Towels / Linen / Maid service:
Towels and linen are provided. Maid service will have cleaned and made up the beds before each new set of visitors
Other:
Sun room with full length opening windows leading out into the garden. Garden bothy with large rug and a double bed. Windows opening to garden

When would you like to stay?

Your dates are Available!

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